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Have you ever admired someone’s hair and wondered how healthy they must be to get such beautiful shine to their hair? Shiny hair is a sign of health, even youth. Shine can be elusive and difficult to achieve. Natural plant based oils will add shine but for many of us, adding oils results in oily hair and more shampooing. I’m excited to tell you that there is a totally natural ingredient that is safe to use on your hair and will restore your shine and even smooth the texture of your hair! Today I’m going to teach you how you can get gorgeous hair by simply making an apple cider vinegar hair rinse. It’s a simple recipe that will restore the shine and vitality of your hair without leaving you smelling like vinegar-I promise!

Since this week is “hair week” at Jenni Raincloud, I had to share a super easy recipe for an apple cider vinegar hair rinse for achieving extra shiny hair! You only need apple cider vinegar and water (with a few essential oils added in, of course!). I know what you’re thinking-Apple Cider Vinegar stinks! Yes, it does. BUT, don’t knock this until you try it-an ACV rinse does amazing things for hair-and I promise, you won’t smell like vinegar. Instead, you’ll have shiny, silky, healthy hair!

What is Raw Apple Cider Vinegar?

Unfiltered apple cider vinegar (raw) is a by-product of the fermentation of apples. Apples are full of potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C and calcium. Fermentation fortifies the end product with even more beneficial acids and enzymes. Raw apple cider vinegar leaves all of the nutrients in the vinegar, which is why it is the better option instead of pasteurized apple cider vinegar.

Because apple cider vinegar has an acidic pH of around 3, when properly diluted with water, it helps to balance the pH of your hair.

Apple cider vinegar also contains natural alpha-hydroxy acid, which helps exfoliates the scalp and hair. This aids in removing dead skin cells and build up from styling products, sweat, sebum and hard water.

Apple cider vinegar has anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and antimicrobial properties. Apple cider vinegar is also anti-inflammatory which can calm scalp issues such as dandruff.

Benefits of a DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse for the Hair

• ACV smooths Hair & Restores Shine: The acidity of the ACV helps seal the hair’s cuticle which smooths frizzy hair and protects it from damage.
• Helps detangle the hair
• Stimulates hair growth by restoring balance to the scalp and detoxing the hair folicles. Because ACV has the ability to balance the scalp’s pH and effectively clear any inflammation within the hair follicles, it can be used for optimal hair growth. 
• Relieves dandruff because of the acidity of the ACV acts as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells that could be flaking and causing an itchy scalp as well as other scalp conditions.
• Removes build up from hair products like dry shampoo and hairspray. Baking soda does a much more thorough job but it can be harsh and drying on the scalp and hair. ACV is a less aggressive and won’t strip hair of its natural oils.

pH and Apple Cider Vinegar:

Let’s talk a little more about pH levels-I’ve stated many times through out my posts that pH is vital for healthy skin. When pH is off in your skin, excessive dryness or oiliness can occur. The same is true with the hair. It is so important that we restore pH after shampooing.

Shampoo typically has a pH of 7+. This is because you need a higher, more alkaline pH in order to cleanse the skin and hair. The problem with regular shampoo and face/body washes is they can disturb the natural ph of the acid mantle which is 4-5. 

Why does Apple Cider Vinegar Give You Shiny Hair?

So when I see someone with really shiny hair the first thing I think is, “WOW, they must be really healthy”. Just look at little kid’s hair. They have the most gorgeous shiny hair. That’s the goal. 

Apple Cider Vinegar smooths the cuticle of the hair. When hair cuticles are uniform and smooth, light can reflect rather than absorb. When we shampoo, the cuticles open. If they stay open the hair will look dull and dry and the light will be absorbed rather than deflected.

Residue from products inevitably will build up on your hair. The more build up you have, the less shine.  ACV removes build up and shine is restored!

What You’ll Need to Make DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse:

• 16 ounce glass spray bottle (find it HERE)
• Funnel
• 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (I prefer THIS brand)
• 1 3/4 cup Water
• 3 drops Lavender Essential Oil (find it HERE) *optional*
• 3 drops Rosemary Essential Oil (find it HERE) *optional*

How to Use a DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse:

1. Shampoo and condition the hair as usual.
2. Spray your acv rinse from scalp to ends.
3. Massage into the hair and scalp.
4. Allow to sit on the hair for 1-2 minutes.
5. For best results, rinse your hair with cold water.

If the acv hair rinse burns your scalp then 1/4 cup (4 TBSP.) is too much. You can pour some of your spray out and add more water to dilute it. The next time you make the spray, I would only add 2 tbsp. instead of 4. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acids which are known to be caustic. This means it could irritate or burn the skin. This is why apple cider vinegar has to always be diluted with water.

I keep mine in the shower in a spray bottle. I use it once a week. On that day, the rinse replaces my conditioner. I’m not kidding. I have color damaged, dry hair, and thought I desperately would need conditioner to smooth my hair out, but honestly, ACV works better.

I recommend using a deeply nourishing hair mask after doing an apple cider vinegar rinse to restore moisture.

Can You Use a DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse on Colored Hair?

You Can! ACV is appropriate for all skin and hair types. It is gentle and will not remove hair color. Plus, many times color-treated hair can end up looking dull. ACV helps restore vibrancy and shine which enhances the color.

Because ACV is slightly acidic which causes the hair follicle to close, ACV can extend the richness of your hair color.

Not only does ACV improve the appearance of your hair, it is also amazing in skincare. Since it helps restore pH, it makes a great addition to a homemade toner. You can also drink apple cider vinegar to reap many health benefits like balancing blood sugar.

Your hair will stink while it’s wet. I SWEAR, once it dries, you won’t smell apple cider vinegar! I add Rosemary to mine because it helps hair grow. I also add Lavender for the smell, and it’s moisturizing properties.

Try adding this apple cider vinegar hair rinse to your hair care routine-I know you’ll be happy you did! It’s so easy and much healthier and cheaper than clarifying shampoos and spray shines! Healthy hair is a $6 bottle of apple cider vinegar away!

More DIY Hair Recipes:

• Clarifying Shampoo
• Hair Perfume
• Color Protectant Hair Oil
• Smoothing Hair Serum
• Hair Conditioning Balm
• Hair Growth Spritzer
• Coconut Hot Oil Treatment
• Hair Pomade
• Hair Detangler
• Blond Hair Toner

xx, Jenni

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